Joseph Broda: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: LisleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lisle Mayor Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married to Joanne for 51 years; Three grown daughters; Four wonderful grandchildren.Occupation: Retired from Lucent 2001 / Full Time MayorEducation: DeVry Institute of Technology, 1970;Benedictine University - Institute for Management, 1982.Civic involvement: Founder Member of St. Margaret Mary Parish and Men's Club;Past President, Vice President, and Board Member of the GTIA;Received the 2008 Distinguished Service Award, Lisle Rotary Club;Board of Directors, Lisle Chamber of Commerce and Lisle Convention Visitors Bureau;Past President (2008) of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference; currently Board Member; DMMC Legislative Committee, 2003 - present; member of the Intergovernmental Committee 2010-Present;Vice President of the Illinois Municipal League 2009 "â#128;œ present; member of the Executive Committee 2013 "â#128;œ PresentDU-COMM (DuPage Pubic Safety Communication) Board Member and Executive Committee member 2012 - PresentElected offices held: Appointed to Lisle Village Board as Trustee - March 1986;Elected as Lisle Village Trustee - April 1987; served four consecutive terms as trustee;Elected Mayor of Lisle - April 2001; currently running for his fifth term as Mayor.Questions Answers What is your view on the village's financial situation.We have a history of being fiscally conservative that goes back many years, and we still embrace that philosophy. Having a healthy (6 mos) reserve in our general fund is sound management for times of need or emergency, and it is a position that many communities can't afford to do. Our AA1 bond rating is about as high as one can get while maintaining non-home rule status. Our one debt, BU Sports Complex, is modest and structured to place no risk on our taxpayers.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Our budgets are consistently prudent. If we had to, we could reduce operational and capital (equipment) expenses, which could affect services to Lisle residents. Things like supplies are always easy targets but generally not of major impact. Deferring equipment purchases can provide temporary savings, but there is always the risk of getting behind the curve if maintenance of old equipment becomes costly. There is never enough money to do all the capital projects we'd like to do. That's a fact of life. That's why the annual 5-Year Capital Improvements Plan is so critical to our budgeting process.What makes you the best candidate for the job?Lisle is thriving as a community, and continuing to lead the charge would be an honor and a privilege. I truly believe that, with my experience and leadership, Lisle will continue to be a destination for business and recreation, as well as a community its residents are proud to call "home." Living here since 1978, I began serving the village in 1986 and have devoted my retirement to being a full-time Mayor. I have also involved myself in several organizations, ie: Illinois Municipal League, DuPage Mayor and Managers Conference, DuPage Communications, DuPage Water Commission and Lisle Chamber of Commerce. Lisle deserves a leader who is accessible, involved, and willing to roll up his sleeves to get the job done. I will continue to be this kind of MayorLisle has made great progress in the last four years welcoming, major development projects: Arbor Trails subdivision, Avant luxury apartment complex, Arbor Place Senior Housing and Marq on Main, just to name a few. Additionally, the restaurant business has increased with the reopening of Raymes, a new location on Main St. for Yerbabuena and the opening of Paisans, with more set to open soon. The progress of the last four years can be seen in all areas of the village. In my next four years as Mayor, I will continue to foster this growth and the community pride it brings because I'm not just an elected official, Lisle is my home too.Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.I have spent most of my working career in leadership positions, and working with the village board is no different. My management style is collaborative and involves frequent conversations with village management and staff. I have an approachable, relaxed style, but I always make sure facts are correct so the best possible decisions can be made. Everyone has ideas and input. It's my job to listen, ask questions, encourage discussion, take the best ideas, respect the opinions of others and lead the board to make decisions that are in the best interest of the entire community.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I've always thought good ideas are best generated by a collective, cooperative process. One idea I'm intrigued with is an initiative I've encountered in sessions at the U.S. Mayors Conference: embracing kindness throughout the community. Frankly, at this time in our history, I'm as concerned about the way we treat each other and talk to each other as I am about the nuts and bolts of managing our local government. Anaheim CA has promoted this idea and has put it into practice. We should all take note and consider the same policy. I would endeavor to increase kindness, openness and fairness throughout the Village while fostering Lisle's diverse population.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The ongoing budget issue with the state is a major concern because it adds a high degree of uncertainty to the funds that we will receive from the state. The lack of those funds could affect some of the services that we provide to the residents. Lisle is not alone here. Communities throughout the state are struggling with the same dilemma. This is where experience makes a difference. I'm ready to help Lisle navigate these waters and cradle our community and help it thrive despite the issues at the state level.Another issue that concerns me is the petition to annex Lisle and some neighboring communities to Naperville. This completely baffles me, both as Mayor and as a resident. People live in Lisle for a reason, and they deserve a leader who is proud to call it home, not someone who wants to give it away. I could not be more proud of this community, and it will be my honor to continue serving as Lisle's Mayor.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work hard; nothing comes easy unless you work for it.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Candidate did not respond.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Shop and Technical classes helped me develop good leadership skills, problem solving and work ethics.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I always told my children to N\never give up and to develop good work ethics.